tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76018067031172137432024-03-13T13:29:17.957-07:00The Inept BlogThe Inept Blog is a collection of blog entries that tell of my observances in nature, and my experiences, from our camp in the Maine woods. There are a few entries that have nothing to do with camp life, too.The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-1343146062522064352019-04-15T06:36:00.001-07:002019-04-15T10:25:48.329-07:00Eating "Bamboo" (Japanese Knotweed)
First Harvest 2019
Copyright 2019 by Lori-Ann Willey
DID YOU KNOW that all-invasive weed called Japanese Knotweed (“Bamboo”) that everyone loves to hate is beneficial in many ways? I grew up snacking on the young shoots, making passageways and cabin’s in the middle of the patch, hiding from the sun on a hot day, hiding from the rain on a rainy day, too. I used the dried The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-83499888745519751942019-03-18T13:26:00.002-07:002019-03-19T02:51:31.308-07:003rd Grade Culture Shock
3rd Grade Culture Shock
Copyright 2019 by Lori-Ann Willey
Both Paul and I grew up in Pittsfield and Palmyra (Maine). I remember him as a child, ‘cause he was the only neighborhood kid that could beat me at “King of the Mountain” -a snow mound game where only one can fit on top a big snow “mountain” and all others try to take over the summit to become “King” until “over-thrown” so to The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-71235104005845189042019-02-23T05:12:00.001-08:002019-02-24T03:54:14.394-08:00WHAT AN HONOR!
WHAT AN HONOR!
Copyright 2019 by Lori-Ann Willey
What an honor it is to be an Honor Rock Portrait artist for an organization called Wilderness Walk for Warriors!
Last summer, an “old” high school friend (“Jo-Jo”) introduced me to the Wilderness Walk for Warriors. Knowing that Paul (my husband) is a Disabled Veteran and that one of my passions is to sit and listen to The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-77459896088626396592019-01-06T09:43:00.001-08:002019-01-07T04:56:24.799-08:00Ispiration Strikes in Odd Ways
Inspiration Strikes in Odd Ways
Copyright 2019 by Lori-Ann Willey
Ima Plannah, which means I thoroughly plan almost everything beforehand. Before I work on an already started painting, it sits where I must see it as I pass by from any direction. Each pass, my brain churns into action as I pinpoint a correction or a color choice. Furthermore, I fix or mix those colors in my The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-64520409419502542482019-01-04T08:06:00.002-08:002019-01-04T09:30:23.564-08:00The Lure of Deeply-Grooved Wrinkles
The Lure of Deeply-Grooved Wrinkles
Copyright 2019 by Lori-Ann Willey
Growing up on a dead-end dirt road in a family of “I’d rather be outside” type people, there is no wonder why Ima Nature Nut. Daily living meant learning, not only about life as humans, but life as insects, animals, weather patterns, the land, and the freedom of self-expression and encouragement. Plain and The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-25914565812116269632018-12-23T13:29:00.001-08:002018-12-24T02:21:02.525-08:00A WALMART STORY
i probably should be embarrassed, but i’m not
Copyright 2018 by Lori-Ann Willey
Due to living off the grid in the Maine wilderness, during Paul’s monthly IVIG treatments is a good time for me to “hit” Walmart. I am one of these people who take a deep breath before I exit the truck and while slowly exhaling with a bit of a grumble, I make my way to the entrance. Part of me The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-49276789429115835962018-11-23T00:27:00.002-08:002018-11-23T05:32:58.373-08:00RETREAT - RETREAT - RETREAT
Today is an emotional day for me. It is not because it is Thanksgiving, and it is not because I am depressed. It is emotional because I dread telling you that due to Paul’s health, we are unable to spend the winter at camp as we have every year since 2005.
The decision is an easy one to make, yet it is a difficult one. Paul’s health comes first. As of now, we The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-87059190102476183522018-11-07T08:39:00.000-08:002018-11-07T08:59:40.761-08:00"Isn't Her Voice Beautiful?" - CRPS AWARENESS
“Isn’t Her Voice Beautiful?” – CRPS AWARENESS
Copyright 2018 by Lori-Ann Willey
Ever have an experience that warms the heart so much that even after a few weeks, the thought brings a smile to your face? Me, too. I want to share a personal experience with you …one that is a bit sappy in the emotions, but one I feel is worthy of telling.
We’ve all seen the hats that read, CRS acrossThe Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-83717715830542638902018-08-27T08:48:00.000-07:002018-08-27T08:48:40.865-07:00The Joy of Nature and Seclusion
Copyright 2018 by Lori-Ann Willey
Yesterday, Paul and I decided we’d go rock and fossil hunting further into the woods. I packed my typical tools, which consisted of, a hand rake, rock pick, magnifying glass, rock classifier screen (1/4” mesh), a couple small gold pans (just in case), a small hand trowel, a few paper towels, gloves, goggles, Zip-Lock bags, bug spray and suntan lotion.&The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-73661454447701703942018-06-13T06:07:00.002-07:002018-06-13T06:29:44.273-07:00Reclaiming Cat Litter - Off the Grid Gardening
RECLAIMING CAT LITER -Off the Grid Gardening
Copyright 2018 by Lori-Ann Willey
Where did this CRAZY idea come from?
Living off the grid is challenging in many ways, but what we find exceptionally challenging is trying to reuse, recycle, repurpose as much of our waste (human, animal, and man-made) as possible. In the past, I’ve gone into a little detail about our composting toiletThe Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-89217525537562683932018-06-01T10:31:00.000-07:002018-06-01T11:27:08.755-07:00OFF THE GRID - UNCONVENTIONAL GARDENING
OFF THE GRID - UNCONVENTIONAL GARDENING
Copyright 2018 by Lori-Ann Willey
KEYHOLE vs HUGELKULTUR
Desperate times called for desperate measures!
I’ve been making both keyhole and Hügelkultur gardens now for many years. Due to poor soil and the tremendous amount of tree roots and boulders, I quickly found it much easier to make raised beds than try to work the soil like theThe Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-13458812867365004172018-03-17T13:16:00.001-07:002018-03-18T04:46:48.986-07:00“Never give up. Never Surrender.”
“Never give up. Never Surrender.”
Copyright 2018 by Lori-Ann Willey
Most of you know that we live off the grid in the north Maine wilderness and that both Paul and I are in our early to mid-50’s. Most of you know, too, that Paul is a man of more than his share of medical problems -a couple of them are words that no one wants to hear when the doctor looks at you while The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-62474660744481467912018-03-13T03:43:00.001-07:002018-03-13T12:23:46.456-07:00DAM DICTIONARY
DAM DICTIONARY
Copyright 2018 by Lori-Ann Willey
A list of words we use around camp since our purchase in 2004. I'm sure I've missed some, but as we use and remember, I'll add to the list.
COMMONLY USED WORDS / PHRASES / REFERENCES
16-Mile Loop - Trip we make with snowmobiles or our Polaris 4-wheeler to our truck and back during the winter months.
A FUNNY - The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-62657589112699275922018-02-20T05:14:00.003-08:002018-02-20T05:33:18.430-08:00PAMOLA - Protector of Mt. Katahdin
PAMOLA -Protector of Mt. Katahdin
Copyright 2018 by Lori-Ann Willey
Mt. Katahdin Summit, Knife's Edge,
and Pamola Peak
From time to time, I will casually, or even comically mention the name, Pamola. Those who are familiar with Mount Katahdin, the history and folklore of the Penobscot Indians know the legend well.
In accordance with the Penobscot The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-2614337336236896822018-01-12T05:04:00.002-08:002018-01-12T14:28:08.940-08:00A SPECIAL KIND OF CRAZY
Life off Grid
Snow Clean-up – Even in the Cold- Even with the Work Load
Copyright 2018 by Lori-Ann Willey
“Is all that work you have to do to
stay in the woods worth it Laurie?”
-Philippe Page
Paul measuring snow the depth
Though I could answer Philippe's question with a simple, “Absolutely”. Instead, I will attempt to answer with details and explanation The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-69033462375739861002017-10-23T01:39:00.002-07:002017-10-26T14:10:39.617-07:00IMA WOMAN HUNTAH
Copyright 2017 by Lori-Ann Willey
HUNTERS - There are "Hunters", "Heater Hunters", "PETA Hunters", and then, there are "Anti-Hunters". I hadn't heard the phrase "heater hunter" in many years until the other day, I think it was my sister, Lora-Jean, that used the phrase.
Heater Hunters are those hunters who drive/ride around for countless hours on end in hopes that their target animalThe Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-56361476488660281152017-07-20T13:29:00.002-07:002017-07-20T13:50:39.528-07:00“Uh-Oh! I know!”
“Uh-Oh! I know!”
Copyright 2017 by Lori-Ann Willey
Despite owning a few dogs and cats over the years, Paul and I never had a flea problem. Well, that isn’t necessarily the full truth. Sometimes, a pet owner visits with their dog and leave a few fleas behind, but we always nipped them quickly. Sometimes, just to be precautionary, we’d even pre-treat the cat before another dog The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-8076761966962943482017-07-18T16:54:00.001-07:002017-07-19T04:46:43.519-07:00"Kabooms", Coffee, and Poop!
"Kabooms", Coffee, and Poop!
Copyright 2017 by Lori-Ann Willey
I’m a disgruntled shopper, so it doesn’t’ take much to frustrate me in a store …any store.
Today, for the first time, ever, I stepped foot into a Lowe's store. I will be honest and not only recognize but own the fact that I am a pessimistic shopper. Always, I want in and out, so always leave Dilly and Dally at camp. My The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-55979016371136240072017-07-17T07:09:00.000-07:002017-07-17T09:00:42.923-07:00"I Broke Your Toilet"
“I Broke Your Toilet”
Copyright 2017 by Paul Willey
Some of you know this story from May, 2013, but I’ve never told the story in full detail at once because I was too tired to write it at the time, and I have I have some new insight that may explain why some things happened the way they did. I just put the pieces together yesterday when retelling a short version of the story to my The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-79218997800620942452017-06-28T04:39:00.002-07:002017-06-28T04:55:58.922-07:00FUN WITH A STALKER
FUN WITH A STALKER
Copyright 2017 by Lori-Ann Willey
Living a public life off the grid via Facebook and other social media outlets is fun and educational, too. Hubby and I love our lifestyle. It is unique with unique circumstances. We are a privately owned camp, as in we do not have rental units, but on social media avenues like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. we are The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-89130793262919914732017-06-05T12:55:00.003-07:002017-06-05T13:53:00.674-07:00SEED – THE “TIME TRAVELER” – A Pondering
Seed – The “Time Traveler” – A Pondering
Copyright 2017 by Lori-Ann Willey
As a child, I used to dig for fishing worms for what seemed like hours on end. A pointed “spade” was always nearby. My sisters and I were not shy in grabbing it and start digging away. Were we going fishing? Maybe, at some point, yes, but one can never have enough worms ready and waiting. The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-45460535964023237572017-05-26T05:22:00.002-07:002017-05-26T07:06:23.846-07:00Don’t Lean over the Coffee Pot
Don’t Lean over the Coffee Pot
Copyright 2017 by Lori-Ann Willey
Do not lean over the coffee pot with long hair! Did I get your attention? In a reassurance, gentle, Mr. Rogers-like voice, I say, "I knew it would".
I do not hide the fact that Ima Compost-Maker-Aholic. It is one of my all-time favorite things to do. So, as our dedicated followers of Willey’s Dam Camp already know, I The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-86874355869960523342017-05-10T04:05:00.001-07:002017-05-10T05:02:26.303-07:00The Do or Die Concept
The Do or Die Concept
Copyright 2017 by Lori-Ann Willey
I come from a long line of hard workers, but there comes a time when I start to realize why the comments I get, even from Paul. Of course, at the time, I didn't understand from where they stem, even when my body is too tired to take the next step.
Last spring, starting in March, my problematic back became a very big problem once The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-11044284271930068942017-03-16T15:35:00.004-07:002017-03-16T15:49:26.196-07:00Intuition Grabs at My Gut
Intuition Grabs at My Gut
Copyright 2017 by Lori-Ann Willey
Living with a disabled husband for as long as I have, you learn to pick up even the most subtlest hints of others who are disabled, too. Just because someone doesn't use a wheelchair or a cane, doesn't mean someone is not disabled in another way ...a bad way. There are so many medical issues out there that are not obvious. &The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7601806703117213743.post-8777109534741546082016-12-12T12:34:00.001-08:002016-12-12T13:38:35.760-08:00KNOW YOUR ICE!
Click to enlarge photo.
KNOW YOUR ICE!
Copyright 2016 by Lori-Ann Willey
TEACH THIS TO YOUR KIDS.
It could save their lives.
NEVER ASSUME THAT ICE IS SAFE
Even if there are people on it.
KNOW THE BODY OF WATER
Know the location of inlets, outlets, and channels.
NEVER trust the ice thickness The Inept Bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04820604372461844455noreply@blogger.com